Chapter 80: Trials of the Spirit Guardians

The air crackled with the energy of the Spirit Guardians' barrier, a shimmering wall of light that pulsed in time with their otherworldly hum. Chen Jiuzhang stared into the barrier, the crystal - key's glow reflecting off its surface. The images of the impending evil and their own sacrifices still lingered in his mind, but his resolve didn't waver.​"How do we even begin to prove ourselves?" Zhang Chengying asked, twirling his broken peachwood sword restlessly. The blade, battered from countless battles, seemed to hum in response to the charged atmosphere.​Shen Qingluan traced her fingers over the fragment of the Imperial Jade Seal, her brow furrowed in concentration. "These guardians are connected to the magic of this place. Perhaps we need to find a way to resonate with their energy, to show them our intentions are pure."​Luna stepped forward, her tattered starlight - woven gown fluttering. She closed her eyes and took a deep breath, her hands outstretched. "I'll try to communicate with them on a spiritual level. Their form is ethereal, like pure energy. Maybe I can reach them that way."​As Luna began to chant softly, the air around her filled with a gentle, silver glow. The Spirit Guardians stirred, their forms shifting slightly, but the barrier remained firm. Suddenly, one of the guardians let out a piercing, musical note, and a wave of energy rushed towards Luna.​Su Nian leaped forward, her chains ready to intercept the attack, but Chen Jiuzhang held out his hand to stop her. "Wait! This might be part of the test."​Luna gritted her teeth as the energy washed over her. Images flooded her mind - memories of the guardians' long watch over the secrets, of the countless intruders who had sought to abuse the power hidden within the realm. She saw the pain and loss they had witnessed, and the fear that the ancient evil would one day be unleashed.​With a gasp, Luna opened her eyes. "They... they want us to face our inner fears. To prove we can overcome them and stay true to our goal."​Wu Laogou let out a nervous laugh. "Facing physical enemies is one thing, but going up against our own demons?" He shook his head, but his eyes held a stubborn glint.​The group fell silent, each lost in their own thoughts. Then, one by one, they stepped forward. Chen Jiuzhang saw visions of his 二叔's betrayal, but he pushed through, focusing on the hope of restoring the realm. Su Nian was confronted with the memory of all the lives she couldn't save in her past battles, yet she refused to let the guilt consume her.​As they faced their fears, the barrier began to waver. The Spirit Guardians' forms flickered, and their musical notes grew more harmonious. With a final, collective push of will, the group broke through the last of their inner obstacles. The barrier shattered, and the guardians let out a triumphant chorus.​Lyra, who had been watching with a critical eye, nodded in approval. "Impressive. But don't think the worst is over."​The group pressed on, entering a new section of the passageway. The air here was thick and humid, filled with a strange, sweet smell that made their heads spin. The walls were covered in pulsating, fleshy growths, and the ground seemed to undulate beneath their feet.​Suddenly, Shen Qingluan stumbled, her eyes glazed over. "Something... something's wrong. I feel... strange."​Before anyone could react, Zhang Chengying also doubled over, clutching his head. "It's... it's like my mind is being pulled in different directions."​Su Nian drew her chains, her eyes darting around. "This is some kind of trap. We need to get out of here, now!" But as she spoke, a rift opened in the ground, separating the group into two halves. The battle for the secrets of the Gui Xu Secret Realm had just become a fight for their very sanity.